Vent Machine

RIP Wedding Bouquet

2012-01-15T16:44:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was a sad day.

I was tidying up some toys and doing a bit of dusting in our living room and as I looked up at the top shelf of our book case, I admired my over-dusty, dried, cobwebbed wedding bouquet.

My sister had commented not that long ago that 'she was over it' and it is time to let it go but being the sentimental person that I am, I have had a hard time saying goodbye. As I looked up at my bouquet (which in actual fact, probably only looks pretty to me) I decided that it was in fact time to say goodbye.

It was dreadfully dusty, and covered in cobwebs. The whites were brown, the lace was yellow...kinda icky. But still, it was special. For 51/2 years that bouquet has graced my living room...in our first basement apartment, to our apartment in Waterloo, and now in our home in Elmira. But indeed, it is time to say goodbye.

So I called for my hubby to come upstairs and take a mini photo shoot of me holding my dead wedding bouquet! We did get a new fancy camera for Christmas...and hey...who doesn't love a fun photo shoot?! and...I just happened to be wearing white! Bouquet, I'd say you did really well!

Wedding bouquet...you will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace in the garbage can in the garage
(until garbage day on Thursday).

xoxo
Vent Machine

A day in the life...

2012-01-12T15:15:00.005-05:00

phew...sometimes it's hard to keep up with this little guy's mess.

A day in the life....

need I say more?

xoxo
Vent Machine

I got new boots!

2012-01-07T00:08:00.008-05:00

This post will only make sense if you read my previous post or...
it just might amuse you.
After several trips to the mall I now have new boots.
A little excited?! I think so.

xoxo
Vent Machine

I'm Dreaming of a Size 6 Foot

2012-01-03T12:38:00.018-05:00

It's that time of year again. Time to hunt through my -way too full- hall closet and dig out my winter footwear!

I sift through my sandals, flip flops, clogs, jogging shoes, running shoes, heels, fashion boots, slip on shoes, slippers,.....whoa that's a lot of shoes!! (another vent for another day) And finally, voila! There they are!

I have a really nice pair of Merrell winter boots that I bought 4 years ago when I was walking to and from University every day. The problem is, they are short so I can't tuck my pants into them on those days when it's really snowy. And since I live in Canada, the great white north...I think that it's important for me to get some proper snow boots. So this year, I have endeavored to purchase a good pair of taller winter boots. I do have a really old pair in our garage...you know the kind with the rubber bottom and foam liner. I used to wear them tobogganing in high school and they're getting pretty old in age and sore on the eyes. They also require me lifting my foot 1-2 feet off the ground with every step I take. So, they just won't do.

And so, my new winter boot hunt has begun. Problem is, apparently a sz 9.5 or 10 is really hard to come by...especially in all of the boots that I am interested in. Of course, just my luck. It's not like I can keep heading off from store to store with a little one trucking along. Once the bottle and crackers to hold him over are gone...I'm lost of ideas and it's time to go home.

So today, I'm dedicating this vent post to all those women out there who like me, have larger feet. I wouldn't say that I have super huge feet...just not the perfect sz. 6 or 7 shoe that every store carries and always displays in the shelf! So with the crazy Christmas season coming to a close, I've written this variation of a familiar Christmas carol for everyone out there who sometimes gets a little 'ticked' when a store doesn't have their size....

I'm Dreaming of a Size 6 Foot
"I'm dreaming of a size 6 foot, just like the ones on all the shelves.
where store clerks surprise me, and have sizes that fit me,
instead of 'sorry, no size 10.'

I'm dreaming of a size 6 foot,
cause every shoe looks nice that size.
May your shoes fit snugly, not tight,
And may all your shoe hunting be bright.

May your shoes fit snugly, not tight,
and all stores have shoes that fit you right!"

Happy, or not so happy Winter Boot hunting!
xoxo
Vent Machine

Defining the word UGLY

2011-11-26T13:41:00.012-05:00

This one's for you sis....

ug·ly
adjective, -li·er, -li·est.

1.very unattractive or unpleasant to look at; offensive to the sense of beauty; displeasing in appearance.

You may wonder why I'm beginning this post with a definition of the word 'ugly'.

My husband and I just attended our first Christmas party of the season last night! It was a hoot and we had a lot of fun! But, I have to admit that when we arrived at the party...we were definitely a little 'embarrassed' at our choice of attire. hehe.

You see, the party was an "UGLY Christmas Sweater Party" and although I will admit that the majority of the attendees were indeed 'dressed for the occasion,' there were only a select few who went, how should I say..."all out!" and my husband and I did just that. We went 'all out' in our ugly attire! and props to our friends who did the same! I'm talking, definition of the word ugly. haha.

We arrived in our festive attire consisting of sweat pants, patterned sweaters, Christmas tie, light up necklace, poinsettia broach, and more! We were 'in it to win it' as Randy from American Idol might say.

So I'm writing this post today in hopes to entertain you, give you a confidence boost, or maybe just make you smile. When you are invited to an Ugly sweater party....don't be afraid to go all out, or step out of your comfort zone!!!! The word "ugly" doesn't just mean 'silly' or 'fun'. You read the definition - - - So none of this 'pretty ugly', 'pleasing to the eye' kind of stuff!! You can do better than that!

Merry Christmas friends!!!

xoxo
Vent Machine

Through the Choas and the Noise...

2011-11-17T12:53:00.010-05:00

I LOVE Christmas, I think.

Every year I get really excited for the first snow, Christmas music, decorating the house, spending time with family, giving and receiving presents, yummy treats, and so much more. But, at the same time, EVERY year I get frustrated again and again.

A gift for this, a gift for that, money money money, VISA card running high, family expectations, rush and busyness of stores, adds promoting Christmas greediness, etc. etc. The holiday I love and cherish gets me on a roller coaster love/hate relationship every year.

I honestly go through ups and downs every year feeling really excited and happy one day then bitter and angry the next. Why has Christmas become like this? I'm sure many of you feel the same way. Our culture and society has turned a beautiful holiday into a stressful greedy unnecessary insanity every year. For me, it's often turned giving a gift from a joy to an obligation, and turned the joy of spending time with family to an insane rush to 'fit everyone in'. Not only that, the agony of 'paying off the VISA' after the Christmas rush is a real heartache.

In all this craziness, the lyrics of this song really hit home...

"I need a silent night, a holy night.
To hear an angel voice, through the chaos and the noise.
I need silent night, a holy night.
To end this crazy day, with a silent night."
-Amy Grant "I Need a Silent Night"

I'm glad I'm reminded of this early this year...as this insanity is just beginning. The craziness and stress of Christmas is NOT what Christmas is actually about or what it should continually feel like. Instead.... listen carefully because there is NOTHING I vent about that is more important than this right here....

Christmas is a celebration of my new life, the new life I have received through the life of Jesus Christ. Because of his life, and because of HIS entry into our world, I no longer need to feel the burden of 'life' anymore...I get to live HIS instead!!

What a relief!

Now THAT is the kind of 'peace on earth' and 'joy to the world' I want to be celebrating this Christmas!!

Bring it on... it's Christmas time!!!

xoxo
Vent Machine

A Girl can't live without a Good Pair of Panties!

2011-11-05T13:13:00.006-04:00

We all have our favourites right!!?? ...a favourite food, favourite colour, favourite shirt, favourite pants...etc. etc. Well, just like other favourites...I have a favourite brand of underwear. Yes you heard me correctly, this post is about underwear.

This past week I learned that I can no longer get my favourite undewear! This is a big deal! I've never done well with change, but this one has really hit me!! For the longest time, probably over 10 years now, I have been purchasing my favourite underwear - Fruit of the Loom Bikini's from Zellers!! When they get worn out...I go get more. The time has come once again to buy more underwear...and to my sadness....my favourite kind is no longer :( (Zellers still carries the same brand and name but they have changed the style and material it is made with) And so, the great underwear hunt begins!

In my opinion, a good pair of underwear is one that...
1. is affordable!
2. has full bum coverage
3. does not stick up out of my pants at the back
4. breathes well and is made with a comfortable material (cotton)
5. is neutral (no fancy frilly polka dotty underwear for me...let's be practical folks)

So I'm calling all women....I need your help!! What is your favourite brand of underwear?? Please post in the comments below (you can choose to post anonymously if you choose) This hunt may take some time...but I am determined to prevail! A girl can't live without a good pair of panties!!

xoxo
Vent Machine

Tiger it is!

2011-10-31T21:39:00.008-04:00

Thanks to everyone who took my poll! We ended up going with the Tiger costume this Halloween! Thankfully the pumpkin costume is actually size 2T so there is a chance that it might fit him next year! We had a fun evening...E enjoyed handing out candy to the kids who came by and we even went out for a little round too...mainly to show off his cuteness! Here are a few pics!

What should he be??!!

2011-10-29T11:15:00.010-04:00

Halloween is approaching. Although the actual Halloween holiday is not one I like to strongly promote...the Fall season is definitely my favourite and is filled with Harvest fun! Crunchy coloured leaves, pumpkins, corn stocks, and scarf season!! I love the Fall!!

This Fall our family had many things to celebrate! My sister got married on October 8th! It was a beautiful, perfect day and I was so honoured to stand by her side on her wedding day!! Such an exciting celebration for our family!! The weather was so warm, we comfortably wore our orange Fall sun dresses and go to ride on the back of a truck to and from wedding photos!!

We also celebrated E's 1st birthday on October 12th! I can't believe it has been a year already!! He had his first taste of cake and icing along with a fun filled birthday party. I loved decorating our home to celebrate! E also started taking his first steps this month! We are having a blast watching him take more and more steps across the kitchen, hall, or living room!! So proud of our little man!

As halloween approaches...the fun task of dressing up my child is upon me. But hmm....what should it be. I decided to pick up two costume options for my little man while I was at the thrift store last month (awesome deals!). So I'm writing this post as a fun way to poll my friends and any one else who might read....what should he be?! A tiger, or a pumpkin. Please take the poll on the left side of the blog and help me out!! (I'm currently leaning towards tiger as he seemed to be most happiest in that costume) but... shucks, it's just so hard to decide! ha

Happy Fall and Happy Halloween!

xoxo
Vent Machine

I'm sorry, am I some kind of inconvenience to you?

2011-10-03T09:17:00.003-04:00

This morning I woke up very tired once again. For the last three days E has been waking up in the night having insane screaming fits. Not only is this happening at night, he's been very clingy and whinny during the day, stuffed nose, coughing, and just all around miserable. Last night we were up from 4-5:30am trying to calm him down. This makes for a very tired, unhappy mommy...and a tired baby too!

So I decided to do what I'm sure many parents would do....I called the doctor this morning. And once again, I got the lovely 'unfriendly' answer from the lady on the other side of the line. I'm sorry, but did I erk you in some way?? Is there a reason why the customer service at the doctor's office does not sound friendly, interested, or helpful!

I asked if there was an appointment available with my doctor this afternoon anytime after 3 and my response was, "no" (very direct and abrupt). Then silence. Then, "What's the problem?" (in a tone that sounded annoyed) I proceeded to say how my son has been having many screaming fits, coughing, and all around miserable and I thought he should get checked out, maybe his ears. My next response was, "Why does it have to be after 3?" (once again sounding very annoyed, as if I'm some kind of inconvenience). So I went on to say how he usually naps between 1 and 3 yaada, yaada. Thankfully I was able to get an appointment for him for tomorrow morning!

All this to say, this is not the first time this kind of conversation, or tone of voice has happened to me when I call the lovely doctor's office in my town. I just don't understand why me calling seems like such an inconvenience to them. Are they not in the helping profession? should they not sound more caring? more interested in my child's welfare? I usually just don't say anything about it...but this time I'm speaking out. Come on people...be a little friendlier on the phone. Cause one of these times I'm just going to come out an say over the phone, "I'm sorry, am I some kind of inconvenience to you?"

xoxo
Vent Machine

Get it right people!

2011-10-02T02:11:00.005-04:00

K, so Round-a-bouts frustrate me! and for some reason, the majority of people around where I live just can't seem to 'get it right!" What's with that??

Did you know that in a two lane round-a-bout, both lanes can go straight through?? who da thunk it!? yet, for some reason, in the lovely town of Elmira/St. Jacobs, ON the majority of the public driving in the round-a-bout only does so in one lane. At rush our traffic, we end up sitting in a huge line of traffic just because we don't use both lanes in the round-a-bout!

Not only that, some geniuses think that it's okay to cross lanes while using the round-a-bout, cutting others off in the process. Just the other day, I almost got hit on the side of my car because someone didn't 'yield' to me in the round-a-bout.

It's time to get it right people, get it right! We seriously need to get some cops out there directing traffic again, or some large signs to help...oh wait, we already did that! and it's still didn't work. jeepers.

I love how this Wikipedia link shows traffic moving...watch and learn!! (click on the image above)

xoxo
Vent Machine

Wake Up Sleeping Dragon!

2011-09-15T14:07:00.005-04:00

So apparently in the blogging world, it has been WAY too long since I've made a post!

True, true, I have kept my distance for the last month, I guess life has gotten busy. My little man has been ever changing as the month progresses...he's now a super crawler, standing up on everything, opening cupboards, waving, clapping little boy and he gives me MUCH joy!! I love it.

As many a mother knows, there is always 'something' we could vent about in regards to the grief our children sometimes give us. So my small vent for today is this....

It has become almost ultimately IMPOSSIBLE to change my son's diaper!! He is such a wiggler and a crawler that I can't keep him still or on his back for even a second, let alone enough time to change a diaper or clean a poopy bum!! This has become a very challenging task, and I try to come up with new ways to distract him daily like toys, jewelry, containers, etc. But I'm running out of ideas! Today, he decided to flip over and crawl away with a naked bum....he turned around and smiled at me before running away even further. Little stink, he he ... he thinks it's a game!

So although I think he is absolutely adorable, I've been dreading the diaper change lately!! Who wants gross poop all over the place!! yuck!!

Signing off for now,
xoxo Vent Machine

uh oh, somebody's crawling...

2011-08-17T13:39:00.036-04:00

My son is crawling! This is good...I think. ha. We are super excited over here! We got our safety gates up just in the nick of time and now we are quickly learning what else we need to 'baby proof' as E is wandering around and searching every nick and cranny.

Thankfully I did a bit of baby proofing of our living room area just before his new found discovery! Here are some 'after' photos! We no longer have loose papers (for now) on shelves, and we've moved our DVD's so they are now only on the top part of the shelves. This project involved us removing all of our CD's to make room for our collection of DVD's to fit on the top. We decided to put away our CD's in boxes and move them to the basement. (which we were okay with since I had previously spent countless hours putting all of our CD's on our computer!) Good times. We organized the CD's alphabetically (by first name) and put them in two large boxes from IKEA. I love that store! I also bought some more baskets for E's toys too while we were there... so bring on the crawling!!

Although we've got a good start on the baby proofing...we've still got some work to do as we continue to learn what areas E likes to navigate towards. His favorite being cords and cables! I put those little plastic socket protectors up but he still seems to find every place that a cable is plugged into including my laptop, the battery charger, my blow dryer, straightener, and curling iron! That little stinker's got an eye for electronics! (I'd like to think that he's taking after his father, but I have a feeling that every kid enjoys a shinny cell phone, keyboards, and cables) :) He also seems to navigate towards Chloe's (our cat) food and water dishes too. I'll be moving those soon once we find a new home for them, and we cut a small hole in our one baby gate for Chloe to get through. Not too small for the cat, but not too big for E (if you know our cat, she's pretty big. ha) Projects, projects.

As I type, my husband is out working on his current project...the fence. Admittedly, that little project is more of a 'cat proofing' rather than baby proofing as we seem to have a problem with Chloe wandering into every yard other than our own. Not for long kitty, not for long!

Time for a little mom-to-mom chat...If you're a mother out there with a little one rummaging the house, what areas have you learned you needed to baby proof?

Till next time!
xoxo Vent Machine

Camping...or something like it.

2011-08-01T22:45:00.008-04:00

Camping. Although I love the idea of it, for most of my life the actual act of sleeping on the ground, going without a shower, and living with the bare minimums has not been my 'cup of tea'.

My idea of camping is comfort style...you know, nice dry cozy trailers, comfortable beds (as opposed to the ground), and flush toilets and showers! Even though this has always been my 'ideal' or 'dream' idea of camping, I think that I've done a pretty good job of toughing it out and on occasion 'roughing it' as they say.... although I guarantee that it did come with a fair share of complaining. ha.

Last year I managed to camp in our small tent (beautiful tent, but which I can't stand up in), using an air mattress, while experiencing a 'lovely' insanely massive thunderstorm (with very little shelter) all while I was 7 months pregnant! Needless to say...not so fun.

This year I have been a little nervous once again with the whole camping experience. (now having a little one as well as my back pain...don't want to erk it) However, there is one place that I knew I'd feel very comfortable...and that is my great family tradition camping haven near Hanover. (a very cozy extended family member's property with a private pond). So after the ever so stressful getting ready and packing ordeal (I find packing stressful all the time! but this time it also included a massive fit of rage on my part because I didn't have my relaxing music on my phone...ironic I know) ;) Russ and I headed off for a night's stay of 'camping' with little E in tow :) Russ and I were lucky to request a small little cabin this year again which for me, makes the whole experience THAT much better :) E slept in a play pen on the floor and although he was up at 6:30am even after a late night at the campfire, I think that he did a pretty good job overall! He absolutely LOVED the water and my heart just melt watching him laugh and giggle while we swam!

The whole experience got me thinking....hmmm, I think we could try this again! (of course, this weekend didn't include much effort on my part on food (besides a bit of baking which I enjoy) Packing a cooler, prepping meals, and of course all the clean up doesn't excite me too much. So I guess before I go all 'gung ho' on the camping ordeal, there are a few items I'd like on my camping 'checklist'..... I like having my food prepped for me (or meals with minimal prep), next to no clean up, a nice bed to sleep in, a place where I can stand to change my clothes, a clean washroom, a shower if needed, a shelter if there is rain, a place for E to sleep, a chair in the shade to read, lots of yummy treats, electricity, a microwave is handy for bottles, and....

hmmm, I wonder if I should just stay home ;)

xoxo Vent Machine

You know what's annoying?...

2011-07-20T21:23:00.004-04:00

- When you make the effort and take time to do a work out at home using a DVD and then the DVD relies heavily on props (e.g. matt, strap, brick, etc. etc.)! It's frustrating because then they make you think you need to purchase all of the props in order to have an effective work out!

- when my physiotherapist says to do one thing, and then my osteopath says to do another. I'm a teacher so I know that there is more than one way to teach, do, or learn things...but sometimes I'm just like, 'ugh...what is the right thing to do!?" For example...I'm supposed to do small lunges as a stretch, but the other therapist says not to do the lunges. I want to get better...what's a girl to do?

-dirty dishes

That's my vent for today.

xoxo Vent Machine

Hurry up and relax!

2011-07-17T08:35:00.013-04:00

I have good news and bad news. The good news...after months and months of ongoing back pain, I am finally (FINALLY!!!!) starting to experience some relief after a few treatments of Acupuncture. Although I am still on the mend, it is amazing how some little needles placed in my back and butt can start to make a huge difference!! Since Acupuncture is starting to work, a lot of my pain may be from an over-active and sensitive nervous system as well as my weak SI joint. (jeesh, having a baby does a lot to a person!)

Now the bad news...Along with this therapy, it has been suggested that I try and work on more ways of relaxing. (hence the title of this post).

Relax!!?? What's that??!!...pfff. Since I'm a very go-go person, and I tend to get up-tight and frustrated quickly, this practice is very difficult for me! It has been recommended that one way to start working on the art of relaxing is to take up Yoga. Now for all you skeptics out there (including myself), don't be too quick to judge. Although Yoga and Hinduism have their roots in India, the actual practice of Yoga can be for anyone and any religion. "Its separate physical and psychological processes have no connection with religious beliefs. Additionally, dedicated hatha yoga practice has been found to enhance the religious practice or beliefs of practitioners, whatever their current beliefs." (Howell, 2011).

Now I'm no yoga guru so I'm not suggesting that this will be the ultimate cure, but from what I've experienced so far...it is a helpful practice for working on relaxing and focusing the mind. So this week I have been working on some simple breath awareness activities to help focus my mind and calm me down at the end of the day. I also attempted a yoga class at my local community centre....which unfortunately resulted in a lot of pain and I'm still recovering. ugh. I can't take this much relaxation!!!! ha

xoxo Vent Machine

References
Howell, Edith. Retrieved 07/17/11 from http://www.yogaforbeginners.com/

Routine Routine Routine

2011-07-12T15:10:00.016-04:00

Well it's true what they say...babies like routine! It took us some time to actually get into the flow of a routine, but now that we have one it is a wonderful thing..for E and for me! Problem is, going astray from this routine reeks havoc for both E and me as well. Like this week for example.... We have been at our church every morning helping in the nursery for Vacation Bible School. E has been refusing to nap and having screaming fits off and on during his usual nap time. This makes for a very unhappy baby, and unhappy mommy. So much for helping out with the other little ones in the nursery when I'm just working on calming down my own the whole time. Then when we get home he falls asleep eating lunch...so up to bed a little earlier than usual. I'm sure this is a very common occurrence for households with little ones...just a little off the regular routine and the kids are a little 'out of wak' most of the day. A day of this here and there really isn't so bad...but it definitely makes me thankful for the regular routine that we usually have!

Before I had a baby, I always found it interesting reading about other family's routine schedules. So for those of you who are curious as to what a typical 'low key' day looks like for us (for E and me), it's something like this...

6:45/7:00am - wake up, bottle
9:30am - morning nap (1/2hr-1hr long)
11:00/12:00 - bottle and lunch
1:00/1:30pm - afternoon nap (2hr long)
5:30/6:00pm - bottle and supper
7:45/8:00pm - bath time, story
8:15/8:30pm - bedtime

On a good day/night, this is a typical routine around our household. E is usually up once in the night fussing but is easily calmed if I give him a soother. On a more difficult night, he is up off and on crying and needs more than just a soother for consoling. I find these nights really rough especially when I myself have been struggling with sleep due to my sore back. But on good days, this is the norm. I usually fit a shower in after breakfast and E has lots of play time in between naps. Lately, since the weather has been so nice, we've been spending some time outside in the kiddy pool in the late afternoon or "Prevning" (Big Bang Theory, 2010)

I totally vouch for a good routine! It makes going out and staying in so much nicer...and makes for a happier baby too! Ours really kicked off once we started bathing E every night. He fell into this bedtime routine nicely and our evenings got a whole lot nicer!

But some days, when we are 'off' the regular routine, I sometimes think, "Is it really worth it?". Depending on my activity I can say 'yes' but other days when I'm gritting my teeth and breathing hard, I just want to be at home where things are 'normal' and predictable! I like a schedule, I like order, I like routine. And when I'm dealing with a baby who can't tell me what they want, it's nice to know what's going on for once! But as most parents know...even with a routine, figuring out these little ones is often a guessing game!

xoxo Vent Machine

Living Water...

2011-07-11T13:16:00.011-04:00

I have to admit, I am not a plant person. Almost every plant I get results in death. Death of the plant that is. It either gets too little water or I drown the poor thing. Most of my home decor is dead plants (dried roses and sticks). Obviously I didn't do the 'plant test' before having children...ha. No, we got a cat instead.

But this...this my friends is my victory! I have been growing this ivy in a vase of water since my son's birth in October! It has been solely surviving on water alone...and because it is by my sink, all I have to do is make sure that the water is topped up...and it lives!! It has been growing and growing and growing. Problem is, at what point do I move it to ground? and if I do....yikes. I don't think I'll be able to keep it alive anymore.

Sadly, in the past I killed my own 'love fern' just months after my wedding, (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 2003) and I currently have a dying plant in our dining room. (It started with 4 stalks, and is now down to one) How on earth will I keep this sucker alive once I transfer it!? So here it stays...safe and sound, in a vase of living water. All you plant guru's out there..got any tips?! Other than the basics of course...which are water and sun right?! j.k.ha ha ha

A bra for every season...

2011-07-06T01:26:00.018-04:00

It's a late night once again and I'm struggling to sleep once more...So I sit here with my glass of wine and bowl of crackers...hopefully just one glass will do the trick tonight.

It's that time of year again...when my awfully full and messy closet needs a clean up. I spent a good portion of my evening sorting through clothes and trying on this and that. I found myself amused at the amount of changes my body has gone through in the past year. Not only do I have clothes for every season....but I realized that I have a complete wardrobe for every season and every size! It looks a little something like this...

complete wardrobe of maternity clothing (mostly Summer and Fall which I proudly squeezed into two containers under my bed!)
large summer clothing (stuff that's getting too big for me...from my post-pregnancy, and pre-weight loss days of 2010)
summer clothing (stuff that currently fits me)
complete wardrobe of skinny summer clothing (stuff that I don't quite fit into just yet...from my skinny pre-pregnancy days)
complete wardrobe of large winter clothing - pants, shirts, sweaters
complete wardrobe of skinny winter clothing - pants, shirts, sweaters
dress pants in sizes ranging from 6-13!
dresses in various sizes
dress shirts in various sizes
and approx. 20 bras ranging from sizes 34B to a 38E!!

k, so that last one is what really hit me! The funny thing is... none of them are currently fitting 'just right' so I was sitting there thinking..."I think I need a new bra" ha.

As you can imagine...sorting through and organizing my overflowing closet with varying degrees of sizes is quite the task! So, it's not over yet. I must admit, I am one blessed woman to have the amount of clothes that I do...I am very thankful for that. Funny how even though I have so much...I always want just a little bit more... shopping anyone?! ha :)

So for all us women out there who fluctuate in weight like crazy... this one's for you!

xoxo Vent Machine

Poop

2011-07-04T11:58:00.005-04:00

Yes, you heard me correctly. Ever since becoming a Mommy, it seems that one of my most common topics of discussion has been based around my baby's poop. Once again, the poop question is returning. My son is almost 9 months old, started on formula full time a couple weeks ago, and eats various semi-sold foods. It seems that lately, I have been struggling to get him to drink very much milk. He drinks, just not a lot (e.g. 1-3oz at a time and under 18oz a day) It has always been a struggle for me to know just how much milk is the right amount for him to be drinking! I've also been noticing that his poop is currently very hard. Poor guy.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

A pain in my ass (literally)...

2011-07-04T09:32:00.005-04:00

As many of you know, I have been struggling with lower back pain for some time now...almost a year to be exact. It started in my third trimester and has been ongoing since then...so for a total of 11months now! My facebook posts have been nothing but honest in my struggle and fight with dealing with this pain, and I will admit, I am becoming a very angry and bitter person because of it.

I have been to two different chiropractors who took two different approaches...but unfortunately, this left me with no relief and zero coverage only 4 months into the year! I have since moved on to physiotherapy and going into my 6th week, still have no relief. I have also been to massage, started acupuncture, and have re-visited my doctor for a third time this past week. I have a bone scan scheduled for next week and have been prescribed strong anti-inflammatory pills ...but of course, they do absolutely nothing! I struggle with sleeping almost every night, and continue with ongoing (but varying in degree) pain throughout the day. Sitting for too long is a nightmare, and laying down doesn't give relief either. So, as you can imagine, I'm going insane.

Although I have appreciated the sympathy from friends and family, I have been given a never ending list of suggestions as to who I should see or what I should try. To be honest, I am tired of 'trying' new things, so I only plan on annoying my doctor from now on in. If that means calling every week...that I will. But visiting my ever so popular doctor results in an hour wait each time...(a new vent worthy post in itself)...and once again, a pain in the ass.

Along with this struggle, my son has been experiencing the joys of teething which as many a mother already knows...results in interrupted sleep, fussy fits, and in my case complete distraction and disinterest in nursing. So, 8.5 months in...this resulted in a pretty abrupt weaning of nursing...which I have embraced with only some bittersweet sadness. My baby is growing up! I can now enjoy stronger pain meds, sharing the feeding process with my husband, the convenience of feeding in more public areas, as well as digging out my regular bras once again! :) The only kicker...formula is not cheap.

So this pain in my ass continues. Pardon my language...but like I said, I'm holding nothing back. Reader beware.

Until next time...

xoxo Vent Machine

This is new...

2011-07-04T08:13:00.000-04:00

Hello Virtual World,

This is a new adventure for me...blogging. I've been wanting an outlet to share my opinions, ask questions, and just vent up a storm for some time now. So here I go!! I have no idea if what I write will be interesting to anyone other than myself...but here goes nothing. I will say this, I plan on wearing my heart on my sleeve, and not holding back. So please don't take offense to my musings as I ramble. I'm a vent machine!

xoxo Vent Machine